As Premier League squads prepare for the upcoming Matchday 16 fixtures, many will have to make do without some of their star players. A spate of injuries and suspensions means several clubs are missing key personnel heading into the weekend clashes. We take a detailed look at the latest Premier League injury updates, predicted lineups, and the impact on fantasy lineups.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
Graham Potter’s Brighton side will be without the services of Solly March (knee), James Milner (hamstring), and Adam Webster (hamstring) for the visit of Southampton. Lewis Dunk (calf), Jack Hinshelwood (knee), and Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) are also doubtful. The Seagulls’ predicted lineup includes summer signings Bart Verbruggen in goal and Joël Veltman in defense.
Meanwhile, Saints boss Nathan Jones has a host of absentees to contend with. Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Jan Bednarek (knee), William Smallbone (hamstring), and Ross Stewart (calf) are all sidelined. Adam Lallana and Paul Onuachu face late fitness tests. Alex McCarthy is expected to deputize in goal.
Brentford vs Leicester City
Brentford will check on Kristoffer Ajer (foot), Rico Henry (knee), and Gustavo Nunes (back) ahead of Leicester’s visit to the Gtech Community Stadium. Josh Dasilva (knee) and Aaron Hickey (hamstring) remain out. The Bees’ predicted XI features Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa up front.
The Foxes travel to West London without Fatawu Issahaku (knee), Ricardo Pereira (hamstring), Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle), and Harry Winks (groin). Wilfred Ndidi and Boubakary Soumaré are set to anchor Leicester’s midfield.
Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United
Crystal Palace’s treatment room is busy ahead of the Newcastle clash, with Eberechi Eze (hamstring), Matheus França (groin), Eddie Nketiah (hamstring), Chadi Riad (knee), and Adam Wharton (groin) all ruled out. Daichi Kamada is suspended. New signing Dean Henderson should make his Eagles debut in goal.
The high-flying Magpies make the trip to Selhurst Park missing Sven Botman (knee), Emil Krafth (collarbone), and Jamaal Lascelles (knee). Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock are doubts. Club record signing Alexander Isak leads the line in Newcastle’s predicted lineup.
Other Key Injuries & Suspensions
- Arsenal: Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Ben White (knee) out; Gabriel Magalhaes doubtful
- Chelsea: Reece James (hamstring), Pedro Neto (undisclosed) out; Malo Gusto doubtful
- Liverpool: Alisson Becker (hamstring), Diogo Jota (upper body), Kostas Tsimikas (ankle) out; Ibrahima Konaté doubtful
- Manchester City: Rodri (knee) out long-term; Rúben Dias (calf), John Stones (undisclosed) face late tests
- Manchester United: Harry Maguire (calf), Victor Lindelöf (groin), Leny Yoro (foot) sidelined
- Tottenham: Mikey Moore (illness), Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Cristian Romero (foot) out; Richarlison, Micky van de Ven doubtful
The mounting injury lists are sure to pose selection headaches for Premier League managers and fantasy football enthusiasts alike heading into the weekend. Squad depth and rotation options will be thoroughly tested as the busy winter schedule continues.
With so many key players missing, we could see some surprise results and unsung heroes emerge in Matchday 16. It’s time for fringe players and new signings to step up and stake their claim.
– A Premier League insider told our reporters
As always, Premier League matches promise drama, excitement, and plenty of talking points. But the injuries and absentees mean Matchday 16’s script is far from written. Will the disruptions derail the top clubs, or will their star power shine through? We’ll find out as the games unfold.
Stay tuned for more updates, post-match reactions, and revised predictions as this Premier League first aid tent of a weekend takes shape. It may be unlucky for some, but the show must go on.
